Singer Spyro has made serious allegations against popular music executive Ubi Franklin, accusing him of scamming him out of $5,000 after a performance at a birthday party in Ghana. In a revealing interview on the Echoroom podcast, Spyro detailed how Franklin allegedly deceived him into performing at the event, under the false pretense that the request came directly from Nigerian superstar Davido.
According to Spyro, the chain of events started when Franklin contacted him while in Ghana for Iyanya’s birthday. He claimed that Franklin invited him to the party, stating that there would be a few performances at the event. Spyro, who was initially hesitant, later explained that he does not perform at events without his management present. Despite his reservations, Spyro eventually agreed to attend the event, given the circumstances and his respect for Franklin at the time.
Spyro shared his version of the events, saying, “It was painful to be taken advantage of” despite Pastor Bolaji’s intervention in the matter. The musician explained that on the morning of the event, Franklin called him, saying that he was in Ghana for Iyanya’s birthday and invited him to come along. Spyro agreed, but when they arrived at the airport, Franklin told him that there would be some performances at the party. Spyro made it clear that he would not perform without his manager being present, but Franklin continued to persuade him.
The situation took a different turn when Spyro met Davido in Ghana. Spyro stated that it was around this time that he was preparing to release his song “Stand By You.” He recalled leaving Davido’s place and heading to their apartment with Franklin and others. According to Spyro, that’s when Franklin allegedly informed him that Davido had asked him to perform at the birthday party and that he would be paid $5,000 for the performance.
Despite initially stating that he charges a minimum of N20 million for such performances, Spyro said he reluctantly agreed to go on stage after Franklin informed him that Davido would be present at the event later for a promotional meeting regarding “Stand By You.” Spyro then felt compelled to go along with the plan, stating, “At that point, I couldn’t decline because there were dignitaries there.”
However, the situation quickly took a turn for the worse when Spyro performed and then requested the $5,000 that he was promised. According to the artist, after the event, Franklin began ignoring him and refused to address the payment. Spyro said that Franklin continued to avoid him even after they returned to Lagos, and the situation became increasingly frustrating.
Spyro explained, “It was becoming a mess. He was taking me for a fool and told me not to call Davido because he didn’t ask him to have me perform.” The situation continued to worsen when Franklin allegedly involved Pastor Bolaji in the matter. Despite these efforts, Spyro claimed that Franklin continued to ignore him and never addressed the issue of the payment.
Spyro’s frustration was palpable as he recounted how Franklin’s actions had led to his disillusionment with the music executive. “There has been no call or chat from Ubi. It’s painful because he goes around scamming people of their money. I’m saying this to protect other artists who may fall victim to this.” Spyro made it clear that his aim was not only to expose Franklin’s alleged actions but also to warn other artists who might find themselves in a similar situation.
The accusations have sparked mixed reactions in the music industry, with fans and fellow artists voicing their opinions on the matter. While some expressed sympathy for Spyro, others have questioned the motives behind the allegations. Nevertheless, the claims have brought attention to the issue of fairness and transparency in the Nigerian music business, particularly regarding financial agreements and contractual obligations.
The dispute has also raised concerns about the ethics of management and collaboration in the entertainment industry. For artists like Spyro, navigating business relationships and securing fair compensation for their work is an ongoing challenge. The situation with Franklin serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear communication and accountability in professional dealings.
The impact of this public accusation extends beyond Spyro and Franklin, shedding light on the complexities of the Nigerian music scene, where financial disputes and misunderstandings are not uncommon. As the story continues to unfold, many are watching closely to see how Franklin will respond to these serious claims.
While Franklin has yet to publicly address Spyro’s accusations, the controversy has raised questions about the trustworthiness of individuals in positions of power within the entertainment industry. As an influential figure in the Nigerian music scene, Franklin’s reputation may be affected by these allegations, particularly if they are proven to be true.
For now, Spyro’s accusations stand as a warning to others in the industry who may be vulnerable to similar situations. As the dust settles, the hope is that the incident will prompt greater transparency and fairness in business dealings within the entertainment world. The allegations also serve as a reminder that, in an industry driven by personal relationships and public appearances, the importance of trust and honesty cannot be overstated.
Spyro’s decision to speak out may be seen as an act of courage, as it is not easy for artists to challenge figures of influence, especially in a competitive industry like music. His hope is that by sharing his experience, he can prevent others from falling into the same trap.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the story of Spyro and Ubi Franklin serves as a timely reminder of the need for greater accountability and ethical conduct among all stakeholders, from artists to executives and managers. The hope is that this incident will encourage more transparent business practices and foster an environment where artists are respected and fairly compensated for their work.
With the industry’s spotlight on the ongoing dispute, only time will tell how this story will unfold and whether Spyro’s call for justice will lead to any meaningful changes within the Nigerian music business. The allegations have already ignited a conversation about the need for clearer contracts and more robust protections for artists, and that alone may be a step in the right direction.
In the end, the issue of trust and fairness in business dealings is not just a concern for artists but for the entire entertainment industry. If the Nigerian music scene is to continue thriving, it must address the challenges that arise from financial disputes and ensure that all parties involved are treated with respect and fairness.
